The Electronic Rothamsted Archive

The Standing Committee on Unpublished Data

The Standing Committee on Unpublished Data exists to handle the increasing number of requests for data from the Rothamsted archive. Such requests are always welcome and we like to respond positively. However, in everybody's interests we have to operate within certain guidelines. In part this has been made necessary because some researchers, to whom data have been made available, have not complied with a written request or oral agreement to check with our staff before publication. Regrettably this has sometimes led to incorrect conclusions being published from our data because some aspects of it have not been fully understood.

Our collections of long-term data represent a considerable investment of Rothamsted's scientific expertise and whilst we welcome its enhancement by external workers we think it reasonable that this should be in partnership with us. The level of collaboration is for discussion but a final decision will be at Rothamsted's discretion. At least one named member of our staff must be a designated collaborator and data can be submitted for publication only with his or her agreement. Such publication will be joint unless our collaborator(s) specifically decline co-authorship.

Collaborators need to be identified as soon as possible so that their expertise can be made available from an early stage. This will ensure maximum scientific benefit both to the programme and those who partake in it.

If grants for this proposal are sought it is necessary to include costs, approved by our Finance Department, to cover Rothamsted staff time, use of facilities and overheads. Staff appointed specifically to do the research will undoubtedly benefit from a period at Rothamsted and funding should also be sought for this.

Rothamsted Research welcomes collaboration within these guidelines. However, before such collaboration can proceed it is necessary for both parties to sign a formal agreement. If you would like a copy of a typical agreement or any further information, please contact:

Professor Robin Thompson,
Statistics Department,
Rothamsted Research
Harpenden,
Hertfordshire.
AL5 2JQ.
United Kingdom.
Tel: +44 (0)1582 763133
Fax: +44 (0)1582 760981
email: robin.thompson@bbsrc.ac.uk